In the EU, Threads is testing allowing users to create a profile without using an Instagram login.
App researcher Radu Oncescu shared screenshots of the Threads app showing that select EU users now have the ability to sign up for a Threads account without using an Instagram login. Instead these users are offered the possibility to sign up using an email address or mobile number.
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Meta later confirmed the option to sign up without Instagram is currently being tested in the EU region.
And this decision could mean a lot. First, Threads could soon be able to grow beyond its association with Instagram, potentially bringing new users from outside the Meta universe. But perhaps most importantly, it will offer a fresh experience to users as it would no longer rely on your other existing Meta accounts to power your recommendations.
The move for independence is no doubt fueled by the stricter EU anti-monopoly rules. But Threads had already started to move beyond its co-dependance with Instagram. Last November, Adam Mosseri said that Meta had removed Instagram graph data from Threads onboarding. In practice, this means that who you follow on Instagram no longer dictates Threads initial follow recommendations.
But for now, this is only true for onboarding. Threads still uses Instagram graph data for post recommendations, even if it promises to move away from it over time, as your usage and engagement on the app increases.
Oh, and finally, now you could choose a totally different username for your Threads.